Economy still hurts funding for agencies

Published: Friday, February 15, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 2:42 p.m.

Many nonprofit agencies face funding challenges on a regular basis. At times these challenges can reach a crisis level, when the needs suddenly increase, a grant ends or a major donor reduces or withdraws support. Yet the needs of their clients remain, and the caring employees and volunteers do everything in their power to improve the lives of those in need.

A backbone of funding for many agencies is the United Way of Davidson County. The United Way's annual campaign has been affected by the same economic factors that hurt contributions made directly to the agencies. Because of that, the United Way has decreased the funding amounts some agencies receive. Thankfully, those reductions only totaled $11,820 for 2013 compared to 2012, with eight agencies seeing reductions.

The eight agencies that saw a decrease will certainly feel the effects. For example, the Salvation Army will turn to donors to make up a $5,400 drop. Pressure will increase on the fundraisers the agencies hold outside of the blackout period that occurs during the United Way campaign. The reduction of United Way funding can exacerbate other monetary reductions.

No one associated with United Way wants to see any reductions. If the agencies' requests are justified, as determined by volunteers who decide on the allocations, then in a perfect world all would be fully funded. But when campaign contributions decline, that's just not possible. United Way distributed $1,361,500 this year. Two years ago, the agency set a goal of raising $2 million, although that figure wasn't met. Those numbers show just how far giving has fallen as the county has seen the loss of some major employers who were committed United Way donors.

Many agency leaders are thinking outside the box and relying on creative efforts to raise money. A good example of this approach can be seen in the Our Neighbor feature that appears on the Lifestyles page. Jessica Smith learned of a need to expand the Home Delivered Meals Program at Davidson County Senior Services. She utilized her event-planning skills to create a fundraiser that drew in almost $13,000 for the program. That money will allow the creation of a new route in the Pilgrim community and serve another 12 clients.

Others with a vested interest in particular agencies can use their skills and talents to make a similar impact. Writing a check also helps. And while the late summer and fall may be considered the primary time for United Way donations, contributions can be made year-round. So it's not too early to begin thinking about giving to the United Way this year so no agencies face funding reductions next year.

<p>Many nonprofit agencies face funding challenges on a regular basis. At times these challenges can reach a crisis level, when the needs suddenly increase, a grant ends or a major donor reduces or withdraws support. Yet the needs of their clients remain, and the caring employees and volunteers do everything in their power to improve the lives of those in need.</p><p>A backbone of funding for many agencies is the United Way of Davidson County. The United Way's annual campaign has been affected by the same economic factors that hurt contributions made directly to the agencies. Because of that, the United Way has decreased the funding amounts some agencies receive. Thankfully, those reductions only totaled $11,820 for 2013 compared to 2012, with eight agencies seeing reductions.</p><p>The eight agencies that saw a decrease will certainly feel the effects. For example, the Salvation Army will turn to donors to make up a $5,400 drop. Pressure will increase on the fundraisers the agencies hold outside of the blackout period that occurs during the United Way campaign. The reduction of United Way funding can exacerbate other monetary reductions.</p><p>No one associated with United Way wants to see any reductions. If the agencies' requests are justified, as determined by volunteers who decide on the allocations, then in a perfect world all would be fully funded. But when campaign contributions decline, that's just not possible. United Way distributed $1,361,500 this year. Two years ago, the agency set a goal of raising $2 million, although that figure wasn't met. Those numbers show just how far giving has fallen as the county has seen the loss of some major employers who were committed United Way donors.</p><p>Many agency leaders are thinking outside the box and relying on creative efforts to raise money. A good example of this approach can be seen in the Our Neighbor feature that appears on the Lifestyles page. Jessica Smith learned of a need to expand the Home Delivered Meals Program at Davidson County Senior Services. She utilized her event-planning skills to create a fundraiser that drew in almost $13,000 for the program. That money will allow the creation of a new route in the Pilgrim community and serve another 12 clients.</p><p>Others with a vested interest in particular agencies can use their skills and talents to make a similar impact. Writing a check also helps. And while the late summer and fall may be considered the primary time for United Way donations, contributions can be made year-round. So it's not too early to begin thinking about giving to the United Way this year so no agencies face funding reductions next year.</p>